Earned Income Credit Calculator
Estimate your Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) for tax year 2025, the return you file in 2026: maximum credits of $649 (no children), $4,328, $7,152 and $8,046 (three or more). Example: a single parent with one child earning $30,000 gets about $3,265.
Show steps
How to use the Earned Income Credit Calculator
- Enter your earned income and your adjusted gross income.
- Choose how many qualifying children you have and your filing status.
- Add investment income, which must be $11,950 or less.
- Press Calculate to see your estimated EITC and the income where it ends.
Formula and method
The EITC rises with earned income (7.65%, 34%, 40% or 45% depending on children) up to a maximum, stays level on a plateau, then phases out as income rises. For joint filers the phase-out starts $7,110 later. The phase-out uses the larger of earned income and AGI.
Worked example: single, one child, $30,000 income
| Step | Amount |
|---|---|
| Maximum credit, one child | $4,328 |
| Phase-out starts | $23,350 |
| Income over the start | $6,650 |
| Reduction ($6,650 x 15.98%) | $1,062.67 |
| Credit | $3,265 |
Tax year 2025 EITC limits
| Children | Maximum credit | Income limit, single | Income limit, joint |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | $649 | $19,104 | $26,214 |
| 1 | $4,328 | $50,434 | $57,554 |
| 2 | $7,152 | $57,310 | $64,430 |
| 3 or more | $8,046 | $61,555 | $68,675 |
Investment income must be $11,950 or less. For tax year 2026 the maximum for three or more children rises to $8,231.
Who qualifies
You need earned income, a valid Social Security number, and to meet the filing-status, residency and investment-income rules. Without a qualifying child you generally must be age 25 to 64. A qualifying child must meet relationship, age, residency and joint-return tests. The EITC is refundable, so you can get it even if you owe no tax.
Frequently asked questions
What is the earned income credit?
A refundable federal tax credit for working people with low to moderate income, bigger for those with children.
How much is the EITC?
For tax year 2025, up to $649 with no children, $4,328 with one, $7,152 with two and $8,046 with three or more.
What is the income limit?
It depends on children and filing status, from $19,104 (no children, single) to $68,675 (three or more children, joint).
Is the EITC refundable?
Yes. If the credit is more than your tax, you get the difference as a refund.
Do I need a qualifying child?
No, but without one the credit is small and you must generally be 25 to 64.
Why is my exact credit different?
The IRS table works in $50 income steps, so the exact figure can differ by a few dollars.
Is there a 2026 EITC?
Yes. The 2026 maximum for three or more children is $8,231. This calculator uses the 2025 tax year amounts that apply to returns filed in 2026.
Sources
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